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| What is Article 14 of indian constitution |
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution – Equality Before Law
in Detail
The Indian Constitution stands on the pillars of justice,
liberty, equality, and fraternity. Among these, the principle of equality has
been given special importance, and its most powerful expression is found in Article
14, which promises that “The State shall not deny to any person equality
before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of
India.” This simple sentence is the foundation of a fair legal system in India.
It means that no individual, regardless of their status, power, or influence,
is above the law, and everyone in similar circumstances must be treated in the
same way by the State.
The idea of equality before law is not new; it has deep
historical roots. The framers of the Indian Constitution borrowed the concept
of “equality before law” from the British legal system, where A.V. Dicey’s
“Rule of Law” stressed that every person, from the King to the commoner, is
subject to the same law. The phrase “equal protection of the laws” comes from
the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted in 1868 to
provide equal rights to all citizens after the American Civil War. By combining
these two ideas, our Constitution-makers ensured both the absence of privilege
and the presence of fairness.
However, equality under Article 14 does not mean that the law
treats every person identically in every situation. Real equality sometimes
requires different treatment for different groups. This is why the Constitution
allows “reasonable classification” — laws can distinguish between groups if the
classification is based on a clear and logical difference, and if that
difference is directly related to the purpose of the law. For instance, special
laws for women, children, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes do not violate
Article 14; instead, they fulfill its deeper goal by helping to remove existing
social and economic inequalities.
The judiciary has played a critical role in interpreting and
expanding the scope of Article 14. In the case of State of West Bengal vs
Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952), the Supreme Court struck down a law that created
special courts for certain cases because it was found to be discriminatory. In E.P.
Royappa vs State of Tamil Nadu (1974), the Court declared that
arbitrariness and equality cannot coexist — any arbitrary action by the
government is automatically a violation of Article 14. The landmark Maneka
Gandhi vs Union of India (1978) case went even further, linking Article 14
with Articles 19 and 21, and establishing that all laws must be fair, just, and
reasonable. The Indira Sawhney vs Union of India (1992) judgment, better
known as the Mandal Commission case, upheld 27% reservation for OBCs but also
laid down that total reservations should not exceed 50%, except in
extraordinary situations. More recently, in Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of
India (2018), the Court used Article 14 to strike down Section 377 of the
IPC, decriminalizing homosexuality and reinforcing that personal dignity and
equality go hand in hand.
The real-life impact of Article 14 can be seen in countless
everyday situations. It ensures that government job recruitments are conducted
fairly, that traffic rules apply equally to all, and that taxation policies do
not unfairly target one group over another. It also protects against modern
challenges — such as ensuring that artificial intelligence systems do not
discriminate, that environmental resources are distributed fairly, and that all
citizens have equal digital rights in the age of the internet.
In conclusion, Article 14 is more than just a legal
provision; it is the moral heartbeat of Indian democracy. It guarantees that
the State cannot act with bias, favoritism, or prejudice, and it empowers
citizens to challenge unjust laws and actions. From its historical origins to
its evolving role in modern India, Article 14 continues to safeguard the idea
that justice must be equal and accessible to all. As long as this article
remains a part of our Constitution, every person — rich or poor, powerful or powerless
— can stand before the law with equal dignity and protection.
MCQs on Article 14 of the Indian Constitution
1. Article 14 guarantees:
A) Right to Freedom
B) Equality before law
C) Right to Education
D) Freedom of Religion
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 14 ensures equality before law and equal protection
of laws to all persons in India.
2. The concept of “Equality before law” is taken from:
A) USA
B) UK
C) France
D) Canada
Answer: B
Explanation: It is borrowed from the British legal system, based on A.V.
Dicey’s Rule of Law.
3. “Equal protection of the laws” is borrowed from:
A) UK
B) USA
C) Ireland
D) Canada
Answer: B
Explanation: It comes from the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
4. Article 14 applies to:
A) Only citizens
B) Only foreigners
C) All persons
D) Only government employees
Answer: C
Explanation: The term “person” in Article 14 includes citizens,
foreigners, and legal entities.
5. The principle that “arbitrariness is the antithesis
of equality” was laid down in:
A) Keshavananda Bharati case
B) E.P. Royappa case
C) Maneka Gandhi case
D) Indira Sawhney case
Answer: B
Explanation: In E.P. Royappa vs State of Tamil Nadu (1974), the Supreme
Court declared arbitrariness violates Article 14.
6. Which Article forms part of the “Golden Triangle”
along with Articles 19 and 21?
A) 15
B) 14
C) 16
D) 17
Answer: B
Explanation: In Maneka Gandhi’s case, Articles 14, 19, and 21 were
interpreted together as the Golden Triangle of Fundamental Rights.
7. “Reasonable classification” under Article 14 must
satisfy:
A) Intelligible differentia
B) Rational nexus to objective
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: Classification must be reasonable and linked to the law’s
purpose.
8. Which case struck down Section 377 IPC using Article
14?
A) Shreya Singhal case
B) Navtej Singh Johar case
C) K.S. Puttaswamy case
D) Vishaka case
Answer: B
Explanation: In 2018, Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India
decriminalized homosexuality, citing equality.
9. Which is NOT an example of reasonable classification?
A) Reservation for SC/ST
B) Extra exam time for disabled students
C) Law granting jobs only to people above 6 feet tall
D) Protective laws for women
Answer: C
Explanation: This classification is arbitrary and unrelated to any
objective.
10. Which case linked fairness and reasonableness to
Article 14?
A) Maneka Gandhi case
B) Golaknath case
C) Indira Sawhney case
D) Keshavananda Bharati case
Answer: A
Explanation: Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978) expanded Article 14
to require fairness and reasonableness.
11. The words “equal protection of the laws” mean:
A) All laws must be identical for everyone
B) Similar situations should be treated similarly
C) No one can make laws in India
D) All persons are same in all respects
Answer: B
Explanation: It ensures equal treatment to persons in similar
circumstances.
12. Can Parliament make a law that treats different
groups differently?
A) No, never
B) Yes, if it is reasonable classification
C) Only with Supreme Court’s approval
D) Yes, but only for citizens
Answer: B
Explanation: Reasonable classification is allowed under Article 14.
13. Article 14 came into force on:
A) 26 January 1949
B) 26 January 1950
C) 15 August 1947
D) 26 November 1949
Answer: B
Explanation: Fundamental Rights, including Article 14, became
enforceable on 26 January 1950.
14. Which is NOT covered under Article 14?
A) Equality before law
B) Equal protection of the laws
C) Abolition of untouchability
D) Prohibition of arbitrary laws
Answer: C
Explanation: Abolition of untouchability is under Article 17.
15. Which case upheld 27% OBC reservation under Article
14?
A) E.P. Royappa case
B) Indira Sawhney case
C) Champakam Dorairajan case
D) Balaji case
Answer: B
Explanation: Indira Sawhney (1992) upheld OBC reservation with a 50%
limit.
16. In which case was the “classification test” for
Article 14 laid down?
A) Anwar Ali Sarkar case
B) Keshavananda Bharati case
C) State of Madras vs Champakam Dorairajan
D) Ram Krishna Dalmia vs Justice Tendolkar
Answer: D
Explanation: Ram Krishna Dalmia case explained the two tests for valid
classification.
17. Article 14 is part of:
A) Part II
B) Part III
C) Part IV
D) Part IVA
Answer: B
Explanation: It is part of Fundamental Rights under Part III of the
Constitution.
18. Which of the following violates Article 14?
A) Law providing maternity leave for women
B) Special courts for weaker sections without valid reason
C) Reservation for Scheduled Tribes
D) Tax exemption for charitable institutions
Answer: B
Explanation: Special courts without valid classification are arbitrary.
19. The doctrine of arbitrariness evolved from which
Article?
A) 21
B) 19
C) 14
D) 15
Answer: C
Explanation: Arbitrariness doctrine evolved from judicial interpretation
of Article 14.
20. Article 14 ensures equality:
A) Only in criminal law
B) In all laws and actions of the State
C) Only in civil cases
D) Only in Parliament laws
Answer: B
Explanation: It applies to all laws, policies, and actions of the State.
21. Who said “Equality is the life of liberty”?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) H.M. Seervai
C) B.R. Ambedkar
D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: B
Explanation: Legal scholar H.M. Seervai emphasized the link between
equality and liberty.
22. Which Article is called the “Heart of the
Constitution”?
A) 14
B) 21
C) 19
D) 32
Answer: A
Explanation: Many jurists refer to Article 14 as the heart of the
Constitution.
23. Can a foreigner claim Article 14 in India?
A) No
B) Yes
C) Only if from friendly country
D) Only for civil rights
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 14 applies to “all persons,” including foreigners.
24. What is the main difference between “equality before
law” and “equal protection of laws”?
A) One is negative, one is positive concept
B) Both are identical
C) One applies to citizens, other to foreigners
D) One is a Directive Principle
Answer: A
Explanation: Equality before law is negative (no privileges), equal
protection is positive (equal treatment).
25. Which case said “Equality is a dynamic concept with
many aspects”?
A) Maneka Gandhi case
B) E.P. Royappa case
C) Indira Sawhney case
D) Navtej Singh Johar case
Answer: B
Explanation: E.P. Royappa emphasized equality’s evolving nature.
26. Which right can be suspended during Emergency?
A) Article 14
B) Article 20
C) Article 21
D) All of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: Fundamental Rights including Article 14 can be suspended
during a National Emergency.
27. Article 14 is enforceable through:
A) Writ of Habeas Corpus
B) Writ of Mandamus
C) Writ of Certiorari
D) Writ of Equality
Answer: B
Explanation: Mandamus can compel State to follow equality principle.
28. Which case declared that personal laws are subject to
Article 14?
A) Triple Talaq case
B) Shah Bano case
C) Sabarimala case
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: In various judgments, personal laws violating equality have
been struck down.
29. What does “intelligible differentia” mean?
A) Random differences
B) Clear and reasonable distinction
C) Unequal treatment
D) Discrimination without reason
Answer: B
Explanation: It means a classification based on a clear and
understandable difference.
30. Which organ of the State is bound by Article 14?
A) Legislature
B) Executive
C) Judiciary
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: All State organs must follow equality principle.
31. Article 14 protects against:
A) Private discrimination
B) State discrimination
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: It applies against State action, not private individuals.
32. Which provision deals with equality of opportunity in
public employment?
A) 14
B) 15
C) 16
D) 17
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 16 deals specifically with equality in public jobs.
33. Which term refers to “law is supreme and no one is
above it”?
A) Due process of law
B) Rule of Law
C) Judicial review
D) Social justice
Answer: B
Explanation: Rule of Law underpins equality before law.
34. Which Amendment inserted Article 15(5) for
reservation in educational institutions?
A) 93rd Amendment
B) 42nd Amendment
C) 44th Amendment
D) 61st Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The 93rd Amendment Act, 2005 added Article 15(5).
35. Which case struck down a law as “class legislation”?
A) Anwar Ali Sarkar case
B) Golaknath case
C) Kesavananda Bharati case
D) Minerva Mills case
Answer: A
Explanation: The West Bengal Special Courts Act was struck down.
36. Which concept is broader — equality before law or
equal protection?
A) Equality before law
B) Equal protection of laws
C) Both equal
D) None
Answer: B
Explanation: Equal protection is a positive obligation to ensure
equality in practice.
37. Which is NOT a reasonable classification?
A) Law for differently-abled persons
B) Tax on luxury goods
C) Law banning all left-handed people from jobs
D) Age-based retirement policy
Answer: C
Explanation: It is arbitrary and unrelated to objective.
38. Can Article 14 be amended?
A) No
B) Yes, but cannot destroy basic structure
C) Yes, without limitation
D) Only with President’s consent
Answer: B
Explanation: Parliament can amend but cannot alter equality as part of
basic structure.
39. Which Article abolishes titles except
military/academic?
A) 14
B) 18
C) 19
D) 21
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 18 abolishes titles to promote equality.
40. Equality before law is violated when:
A) Law applies equally to all
B) Similar cases are treated differently without reason
C) Different cases are treated differently
D) Reasonable classification is done
Answer: B
Explanation: Unequal treatment without valid basis violates Article 14.
41. Which country’s constitution influenced “due process”
linked to Article 14?
A) USA
B) UK
C) Canada
D) France
Answer: A
Explanation: US due process concept influenced Indian interpretation.
42. Who can approach the Supreme Court for violation of
Article 14?
A) Only citizens
B) Any person
C) Only NGOs
D) Only government officials
Answer: B
Explanation: Any person (citizen or foreigner) can approach under
Article 32.
43. Which writ is most commonly used for Article 14
violations?
A) Habeas Corpus
B) Mandamus
C) Certiorari
D) Prohibition
Answer: B
Explanation: Mandamus directs authority to follow equality principle.
44. In which year was Navtej Singh Johar judgment
delivered?
A) 2016
B) 2018
C) 2019
D) 2020
Answer: B
Explanation: It was delivered in September 2018.
45. Which provision allows affirmative action for weaker
sections?
A) 14
B) 15(4) and 15(5)
C) 16(4)
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: These provisions allow special measures for disadvantaged
groups.
46. Which Article ensures equality in public places?
A) 14
B) 15(2)
C) 17
D) 19
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 15(2) prohibits discrimination in public places.
47. Which word is NOT in Article 14?
A) Equality before law
B) Equal protection of the laws
C) Rule of Law
D) Territory of India
Answer: C
Explanation: Rule of Law is implied, not directly stated.
48. Equality before law applies to:
A) Legislative actions
B) Executive actions
C) Judicial actions
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: All organs of State must follow it.
49. Which is an example of valid classification?
A) Reservation for economically weaker sections
B) Denial of education to women
C) Law applying only to one religion without reason
D) Discrimination in wages for same work
Answer: A
Explanation: EWS reservation is based on valid classification.
50. Which landmark case declared that classification
cannot be arbitrary?
A) Ram Krishna Dalmia case
B) Indira Sawhney case
C) Golaknath case
D) Minerva Mills case
Answer: A
Explanation: It laid down the two conditions for valid classification.
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